Drilling machinery



Sept. 2. 1924. 1,507,294 v H. H. MERCER DRILLING MACHINERY Filed May 20, 1919 sept. 2, 1924. 1,507,294

Y H. H. MERCER DRILLING MACHINERY File* .ay 20, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 @hay Sept.. 2, 1924. 1,507,294

H. H. .MERCER DRILLING MACHINERY Filed "-1 2O 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 rif i ,|I|IIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMPIIIIIIIIIIIIII@ n sept. z 1924.

H. H. MERCER DRILLIN MACHINERY 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 20, 1919 sept. 2 1924.,

H. H. MERCER DRILLING' MACHINERY Filed May 20, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Sept. v2, 1924.

- A v1,507,294 UNITED -sTATEs PATENT orrlcE.

my n. mona, or ammonta', Naw mrsmnn, assrenon. To sUL'LIvAn IAOEINEBY COIIPANY, A. CORPORATION F IASSAHUSETTB.

niaxnnrlsrefl mommy.

Application ma my ao, una. serial no. sauts.

To all'wlwm, t may concern.' 'l

Be it known that I, HENRY H. MERCER, a ,citizen of the lUnited States, residing at Claremont, in the county of 4Sullivan and y State of New Hampshire, have invented charges are mserted in these holes and the' series of chargesjare set 0H simultaneously, usually by electncal means, to blow a large quantlty of rock into the pit. The appara-A tus now vcommonly used fo;` this pur ose consists of two distinct parts, the dri g mechanism, comprising a churn drill and a v trlpod for supporting a sheave .over which a ro e or cable'runs lfor operating the churn dri anda steam driven drum for actuating the cable. These separate units are 3o Vusually mounted upon skids and are moved from place to place to drill different holes by forcing the units along timbers laid on the ground, it being necessary before drill-v each hole to level the churn drilling unitwith the aid of blocks and jacks. The churn drill is operated by alternately raising and lowering the drill in such a.manner that the strikin force of the falling parts 'drives the bit mto the rock. As the hole deepens,.the size of the drill pipe is increased by lengtheningit, with the result that the `weight to be raised-is VeryV large, and lthat a comparatively strong steam unit Iis necessary -tooperate the churn` drill.

4provide -an improved drilling apparatus. Another object -is` to plrovide.v an improved drilling unithaving a mounted in such a manner that the unit may easily be t. rted from place to place and may easily set up and operated, Still other objects are :to provide an improved controlling means, an improved tool rotatfn'ngsmeansmznd improved means for holding the parts in adjusted positions.s These One object of -the present, invention is to the necessary tools and other objects and advantages of my im; proved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my inventionI may assume in practice.

1 In these drawin Fig. 1 is a side elvation of myimproved.

apparatus in drilling osition. Fig. 2 is a side elevatln of the same ready for transportation. v Fig. 3 1s a rear elevation of as illustrated yin Fig. 1.

Fig.- 4 is a front elevation' thereof. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a safety clamp.

.6 is aside elevation thereof.

the apparatus F1g.,7 is a side elevation of the gear box, y

a part thereof being broken away to showI the driving shaft.

Fig. 8 1s a longitudinal sectional view taken 0n the line 8-8, Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of a partof the operating tube:

Figs. 10 and 21,1 show modifications thereof.

Fig. 12 is a plan lview of the hand wheel.

Fig. 13 is a sectional 1er-13, Fig. 8.

Fi 14 shows a modified form of hand whee controlling means.

' Fig. 15 is a sectional. view on the line 1 5-15, Fig. 14.

plan vview on the line Fig. 16 is a view similar to' Fig. 7 showing l a modification.

Referring to the drawings `and. to the ma.- chine shown therein, whlle the invention may be embodied in-machines and devices other than the vspecific type herein shown, for illustrative purposes Ihave shown a drilling apparatus having an axle 1 which, during transportation, is carried by wheels T2, but which, when the machine is set u .in

drilling posltion, supports these whee s.

'As shown, a gearbox 3 is' 7supported on the axle 1 by means of side supports or brackets 4 which are ,bolted to the gear box b bolts .5, the bracketscarrying journals 6 .t rou h which the axle 1passes.l Reenforcing we s,

` 4 are cast integral; with the bracket members andthe journals, `as is clearlyshownv Fig'."3. The frontend of. the;gear box-1s mounted on and'preferably bolted to-an ofsetangle iron 7A (note E 4). The-ends of the angle eeve lmembers 8 which may be securely fastened on supporting legs, as by a driving fit therewith or by means of pins 8 passing through the sleeves and legs. A motor 9 is also mounted on this angle iron adjacent the vgear box,` and is bolted to the angle iron and gearbox so that the three are held in fixed relation.

`When the apparatus is set up in drilling position, the whole is supportedy on three.

' top thereof, and two sleeves 14 are also cast integral with each of the large sleeves 12 and at an angle thereto. Bolts 15 having pointed ends, as shown, are threaded `into the lower ends of legslO, squared heads 16 being formed near the pointed ends to facili'- tate the turning of these bolts in the ends .of the legs in order to adjust the length of the legs, there also bein provided lock nuts 17 to hold the bolts in a justed position relative to members 12. l j

In my improved construction, I'have also AprovidedV three split sleeves or `clam s 19, 19 mounted on the axle,'two of these c amps 19 being mounted adjacent thewheels, while the third and larger clamp 19' is mounted -substantially centrally on the axle between the journals 6. Rods 20 threaded on both ends to receive suitable' nuts are passed through the sleeves 14 and `holes formed in ears on the clamps 19,. 19".` These rods 20 preferably pas's centrally through spacing pipe members 21 which abut'y against the sleeves 14 and the ears on the 'clamps in such ends of each rod -20, the clamps 19, 19mayJ j en the manufacture of the parts and torena manner as to hold the lower end of the legs and the sleeves in a fixed spaced relation. By turning either of the-nuts `on the be tightened on ythe axle, thereby causing the structurecomprising the axle member, the clamps, the sleeves 12 ,and leg'sl() to form a ri 'd unit. I vhave made use of thefvery simp e' and inexpensive means comprising the rods and pipes just described, for holding the sleeves and clamps in' spaced relaf tion in preference to 'a single rod having shouldersformed thereon, in order .to cheapder the mechanism more easily adjustable in they lfield, for which the. tools at hand in mines or quarries itis easier to cut ott they pipes 21 'or to insert washers on the ends thereof to change the spacing between the .clamps and sleeves, than it is, to change the distance betweenshoulders formed integral# ly on the iron rods 20.

I have also provided in my improved construction a supporting and bracing member, herein shown as an angle iron 22, whichv preferably passes substantially from wheel to wheel beneath the pipe members 21 .and is heldin spaced relation to theseJ ipe members by clevises or U- haped bo ts 23 and blocks 24, Athe latter being preferably constructed of iron and being formed to t the angle iron and the pipes 21. This angle iron helps to hold the pipes in a ixed spaced relation, and further acts as a support for a safety clamp, to be hereinafter .more fully described. e

A. third leg 25, 'which I preferably term the back Ileg, carries a bolt 26, similar to the bolts 15, having a squared head 27, and a. lock nut 28 thereon to facilitate the adjustment ofthe length of the leg. A split sleeve or clamp 29 is'niounted on this back le to' support a tripod ,member in .adjustab e position relative -to this leg, as. will hereinafter more clearly appear. The T-head 30 of the back leg 1s mounted 'between the flanges ofthe supportin brackets 4 andis 1 hel thereto by a ro 31 'which asses through the T-head, and supports an carries nuts 31 on the,ends thereof by means of which the vflanges on the support 4 may be drawn toward each 'other against the vends of the T-head and be made to engage these ends frictionally to hold the back leg in adjusted position .relative to the gear box and the two stationary legs.

By my improved construction-it is thus seen that I have mounted a gear box rigidly on two fixed legs whose len h may be ad-4 justed, and a third leg i'vhose ength may also be ad'usted, in such a mannerthat a. arbox may leveled by adjust-ino the po'sltion of the back leg relativetothe ,front or stama be easily and quickly 'change dri ling ositon, wherein it is' supported by the t ree legs, to aposition in which it rests entirely' on the axle and wheels vtionary legs, andby adjusting-the length of l havedevised means whereby the ap aratus from.

and. may be easily moved from place to.

place. In-I my improved const'ruction it should be noted that I have offset the gear l box relative to the axle so that should the bach leg shp orshouldf-itbe shortened, the weight of the gear box lwill be thrown on the two fixedlegs and' the wheels, the position of which is always the same relative to Athe box. For moving the apparatus short distances,'1t is only necessaryA to shorten the` back l and to turn the lar su porting wheelsegn a ri ht hand directgin Fsee Fig. 1), it being evldent that the front or fixed le will drag over the ground.

o forward tripod legs 32 arepreferably attached to the bolts 33 in such a manner that these tripod members or rods may be swung on these bolts as pivots. A rear tripod leg 34 is attached to the clamp or split sleeve 29 on the back leg 25" by a bolt 35 Awhich passes through the lower end of this rear tripod leg and earson the clamp, in such a manner that when the nut on this bolt is tightened the clamp grips the rear leg, the clamp permitting an ladjustment of the one leg on the other. A yoke 36 (Figs. 3 and 4) is preferably formed on the upper end of the rear tripod leg 34. By reference to the drawing it 1s clearly seenthat the ends of this yoke and the ends of the front tripod legs 32 are fastened together in spaced relationship by a sleeve 37 and a bolt 38 passing through these members, and that the sleeve 37 may be held in fixed relation to the alxle and preferably parallel thereto to support a sheave lowering of the drill pipe, t e cable attached theretoand passed over the sheave 39 is liable to jump clear of the block, and the long fia tend to prevent this. Also, as will heremater more fully appear, when the apparatus is set up in position for transportav tion (Fig.l `2) the sheave 39 rests on the ound and these large llanges`39 increase t e radius of the sheave so that it forms a wheell'of considerable diameter on which the aparatus may rest during transportation, an which supports the cable clear ofthe ground during the operation of moving the apparatus -from place to place vao that the 4cable is not worn by contact with a rough surface. Ifdesired, the leg 34 may be used as a tongue to guide the unit, or a, whiilletree may be attached in place of this legeso that the apiaratus may be drawn by a horse. i It shou also be'noted that whenl the leg 34 is disconnected, thelegs 32 ma `be swung about their pivots 83 onto the e, in which position the legs 32 may vbe used as a lever mamy im to lift the shorter tripod legs 10 free from the The weighto r box and aoclated parts may `thus berought subthe vertical plane of the axle, this reheving the-operator of the ter part of this weight and t e. easy transportation o the drilling unit, the legs bosses 13 on the sleeves 12 by vWhen transportin tion.

32 serving also as a long uidin ton e for iding the unit over thg rough groillld usual found around quarries. In either c ase, t at is, -whether the apparatus is transported on two wheels or on three wheels, the 70 ongtripod legs 32 are -preferably' rigidly fastened to., the axle, as by putting atimber X between the legs 32 and the back-leg 25 and clamping these membersv in position, as J by tightening one of the nuts 31', to cause 75 the flanges or webs 4 to frictionally engages the ends 'of the T-head ofthe back leg. the unit from place to place and especial y when it is necessary to take it uphill, the cable carried by the drum may be fastened to some fixed object, as a tree or post, tand the drum may be operated to provide the required tractive force. The drilling is performed by a drive rod 40 which carries on its lower end a bit.y 41, S5 the latter being preferably actuated by a.l pneumatic to'ol carried in the drive rod and operated by compressed air fed to the hollow drive rod through an air i take pipe 42 and air hose 43. Inasmu Vh sthis 'pneumatic 90 tool formsno part ofthe present invention, and inasmuch as a tool which may be used for this' urpose has been elearly)disclosed in Patent lo. 1,250,103, patented ecember 11, 1917, it is not thought necessary to illustrate thesame inthe present application. The air pipe 42 is substantially V-shaped and: functions .not only as an ai pipe but as alifting bail, aloop in a cable 44 being attached to this bail and passed over thesheave 1block 100 '39 for this purpose. This lifting bail has a l i,

swivel connection (not necessary to show herein with the drive rod to dpermita rotation o the latterkduring the rilling opera-V In my improvedy construction a winding drum 45 -is preferabl mounted on the gear box to'carry the cabe44 which is usedl for raising and lowerin'g the driving rod to permit an inspection of the drill bit or the pneu-Q 'matic tool, or to change the length of the drivin4 rodor to ease the ltool on the work when the drilling is hard and the-pneumatic b it driving tool slowsdown.

As is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the 115 motor, ar box and drum'are mounted 4in fixed re ation to each other in such a manner that a single driving shaft 46 may be passed throughthe gear box and be made to operate, as through wormgears 47 and`47, the w'ind- 120 ing, drum or the driving tube. The shaft carries a large ldriving wheel 49 which. meshes with a driving pinion 50 on .the motor. The driving shaft vis, rotatably mounted. in roller bearings 51 and a ball 125 thrust and radial bearing 52 which receives the thrust from both worms, which, it will be noted, drive in the same direction.

In so far'as concerns the apparatus herein disclosed, any form 4of drum or drum op- 130 erating mechanism may be used, and tor controlling the same, l have shown a eontrolllng A rod`53 passing through the gear nox and havin@ sockets. 54 formed on each end thereof and preferably at an 'angle thereto to re 4tceive a handle or handles 55, in such a man- 'ner that thedruin may be easily controlled from either or both sides of the machine.

In the drilling ot' holes for blasting purposes,the drilling operation is started with a short driving rod, and as the hole is deepened new .driving rod sections are addedso ythat the large driving rod always yprojectsv above the surface oi the ground. This is essential to the proper operation of the drillinc' a i )aratus, for usually a art of the c0mpresi-Teil an' adn'ntted through the hose and passed centrally down through the drive rod f Ais used to foree the. cuttings from the bottom of the hole up between thel drive rod and the wall otA the, hole. to the surface. 'lhe diameter of the drive rod is carefully chosen so that the space between the drive rod and thewall of the hole is within certain limits with? in which the velocity of the air passing uli- .be brought to the surface, and the drillin ward about the drive rod will be maintained suiiicient to force out the cuttings. If the top of the drive rod shouldbe permitted to pass below the surface of the ground, they f velocity of the air as it asses over the top of the driverod would all so rapidly that the lcuttings would be dropped and would not operation lwould soon be stopped. To rigi lyv hold the drive rod when adding a new section thereto, orto hold the drive vrod in an elevated .position to inspect or,

' 56, whic change the bit, or when transporting the ap the v is preferably formed of acasting 57'havmg a rojecting arm 58, a back flange orback hea 59 carry- .ing a lset screw 60, and ahollow projecting and supporting arm 61 adapted to receive a pin 62 secured to the clamp 19'. The end of the arm 61 projects under and rests against the' clam 19' in such a manner that the vise 56 -may e pivotedon the pin-62 and 'sldl along the angle iro22' into 'any Vdesired' ppsition relative to the drive rod. A head ock'63 is pivotally connected to the arm 58 by one of the pivots 64, and carreson a second pivot 64 a connecting link .orhook 65l y 'adapted to be caught, as 'shown at66,onto.a suitableshoulder formed on thefeastin 57 l eol -adjacent the back flange 'or back hea 59.

l,The member 58`and back 'head 59are preferably formed with ya bottom plate 67 to supporta vise jaw 69, stops70 also being formed on the op osite sides of thispplate to normallyy retam'the jaw 69 adjacent the back 'but since these. rotating mechanisms add the partswhich are adjustably head59. This vise jaw preferably held against vertical movement by the plate 67 and a pin 71 dctachably secured in suitable ears 72. The other vise jaw 68 is preferabl ivotally connected, as shown lat 7 3 to a lin 4, the latter being in turn pivoted to the front head by a pivot 75. .If desired,` a han' die 76 may be used to rotate the link about lits pivot to retract the vis/e jaw 68, or force the latter toward the. cooperating vise jaw to securely clamp the drive rod in .adjusted position. rIhe relativeposition's'of the two A vise jaws may be adjusted by the set screw 60. If desired, the vise jaws may be provided with similar teeth, 'but Iv rcferably providethe jaw 68 with horizonta teeth and they jaw 6) with vertical teeth. From the foregoing it is clear that the link (i5/may be freed from the casting 67 and the vise slid along the angle iron`22 abouty the pivot 62, or the vise may be easily set up as shown in Figs. 5 and .6 and the vise jaws ,operated to securely clam i the drive tube between them by mani ulation of the lever ,and set screw. Should t ielink be depressed when it is not in position to clamp theltube, the jaw will be supported by a flange77 carried by the arm 58.

In the drillingof large holes, the drill bits, such as shown at 41, `are quite large ful tool to reciprocate the bit. Inthe-present form of my invention, the bit is reciprocated b a pneumatic tool, such as shown in the Gi man patent referred to labove, the tool being mounted i thedrive rod adjacent the bit. l'This type o .tool is termed,in the field, a ground hog tool because it (li/gs its hole and crawls-in as it digs. If desired, a tool reciprocatin means such as i's commonly use rotate th bit during. the drilling operatlon, 0i the weight ofY supportedl in the hole'being drilled, and usually cut`down thepo'wer of the tool because in roc drills, may be used to the diameter of the pisto'n must be cut/down to provide space for the rotating mechanism,

Ipvreferably provide means for rotating the ground hog drill and the bit carried thereby, Aby rotatin the driving tube which carries thegroun hog drill.

, In th'e preferred formof have rovided a rotating means adapted to encirc e the driving rod and to have a de tachable drivin connection therewith, .the rotatin means 47. j mounted on' a ball thrust and radial bearing79, the latter being supported b the my invention, Iv

ing driven by the worm is mec ans'm has agrotator 78 bottom-plate ofthe gear box, as, is' c early y shown in'Fig. 8. The o ratlve connection between the rotator an .the shaft consists ofa worm 4:7y and a worm gear 80, the latter i being preferably removably mounted on the in the rotator, and preferably carried thereby, is an operating tube 81 provided near its lower end with a horizontal slot 82 (Fig. 9) passing partially around -the'operatim; tube and 'being adapted to receive one end of a set screw 83 threaded into the rotator' nearest the lower end thereof. This slot and set screw hold the operating tube against longitudinall displacement .relative to the rotator during the drilling operation. 'A coiled spring 84 encircles the operating tube, one end of this spring/'being attached to the tube and the other. to the rotator, as is clearlyshown in Fig. 8. This operating tube is attached to a hand wheel 85 by any suitable means,` such as rivets86, in order that its position relative to the rotator may 29 be adjusted by the hand wheel.

Since the rotator is positively driven by the shaft 46 in such a manner that the ro'- tator is constantly turned while the motor is in operation"` the hand wheel and operating tube must also be constantly rotated because of the connection between the operating tube and the rotator through the slot and set screw and spring connectionstherebetween. If desired, a clutch drive may be used` to drive the rotator from the shaft, as shown in Fig. 16. In this case,`howeve'r, for reasons which'will hereinafter more fully appear, Iv preferably use a clutch driving connection between the rotatorand the drive rod. For

this purpose I preferably provide a series of jaws 87 passing through slots88 in the operating tube, the in 'ner surfaces of the jaws being preferably .serrated to insure a positive connection between the 4jaws and ,40' the driving rod. The jaws are' forced into positive connection with the driving rod through a plurality7 of toggle mechanisms each of which is shown herein as having a 5 toggle link- 89, one end of which rests in a socket in a jaw 87 and the other `in an adjusting plug 90 preferably threaded into a boss formed on the rotator. Studs ,91 project in opposite directions from ears or flanges 92 formed on the jaw, and carry coiled springs '93 the ends 94 'of which rest on the operating tube and tend tol force the end-"of the .toggle link and the jaw connected therewith away fromthe driving rod. 5 .As is clearly shown in Fig. 13, if the operating tube be -rotated la trifle in a counterclockwise direction relative tothe rotator 78, the jaws will be forced into gripping relation with the driving rod through the action of the toggle links.

f The spring 84, due to its connections with the operating tube and the' rotator, and due toits tendencyto unwind in a counter-clockwise direction, normally retains the clutch.

. mechanism, that is, the jaws 87 and the toggle links connecting them to the rotor, in

operative position .to drive the tube 40. throu h rotation. of the rotor as hereinbefore descri ed. The operating tube 81, because of itsl connection with the hand wheel 85, may be rotated by the latter in a clockwise direction to loosen the toggle mechanism and' permit the springs- 93 to raise the jaws 87 out of contact with the drillin hand wheel may be rotated sutliciently to ermit a pawl 96 carried by the hand lwhee to drop into a depression 97 in the upper end of the bearing 98 of the rotator, a pawl spring tube. The x 99 holding this pawl in locking position in l the depression to keep the parts in inoperative position and prevent the coiled spring 84 from returning the tube to its former 'relative position with respect to the rotator when 'the hand wheel is released. During operation, the rotator and the hand wheel are rotating but very slowly soytha't the operator can easily .grasp the hand wheel and advance it and the operating tube ahead of the rotator. When it -is desired to again set the rotating mechanism into operation, the operator grasps the wheel, advances it `a triflefahead of the rotator, and releases `the gawl by an outward pressure on an upwar ly projecting thumb piece 100 formed integrally with the pawl.

If desired, the sleeve 81 may be provided with a spiral lgroove 101 (Fig. 10) in preference to, the horizontal groove 82, s o that when the operating tube is given a slight rotation yin advance of the rotator by means of the hand wheel 85, the set screw 83 will cause the operating tube to move vertically. a sufficient distance to release the clutch jaws 87 from the driving 'tube 40, or, if desired, this movement may be just sufficient to cause the jaws to lightly grip. the tube and rotate `it slowly due to the partial slippingof the' jawsover the surface of the tube.

Ifdesired, the opening in the .operating tube in which the end of the set screw 83 works may be still further modified and formed Lshaped;,as shown at 102 in Fig.

.11, so thatthe operator may raisel the operating tube byy pushing upward on the controlling wheel 85 and then,by rotating the tube into the short leg 103 of the slot, hold the tube in an elevatedposition and the jaws out of contact Fwith thev driven element.

While I have shown in my preferred embodiment a coiled spring`84 encircling the operating tube vwithin the rotator, various means may be used for normally holding the clutch mechanism in operative position, such as a coiled spring 104 (see Figs. 14 and G 15) mountedfwithin the hub of the controlling wheel 8,5,one end of this spring 1being fastened to the hub, asY shown at 105, an the other end tothe rotator, as shown at 106.. In the operation of my improved drilling mechanism, after theI drilling unit has beenv Set up 0n the Shorter tripod. and. th'ecable 44 has been attached to the drilling tube 40, the compressed air or other operatin duid ma be admitted to the ound hog drill an the hole may gbe dril ed by the bit 41 through the reciprocatoryy movement iven to this bit by the tool carried in the drilling tube, without rotating the tool or the bit, this tool functioning 1n the same manner as does the ordinary churn drill but cutting more rapidly and without the necessity of reciprocating the drilling tube to procure the cutting action of the bit. During the cuttin operation, if the tool tends to bind or to s ow down, the position of the cutting bit relativek to the bottom of the hole may be varied by `putting a tension on the cable and raising the bit a trifle from the bottom of the hole. In drilling operations, it is :preferable, however, to rotate the bit so that the hole is maintained round andso that the cutting edges yof the bit do not workin grooves in the bottom of the hole. The necessary rotation of the bit may be obtained by releasing the pawl 96 and permitting the clutch mechanism to connect the rotator to the drilling tube'so that the latter together with the bit driven thereby is rotated. D'uring this rotation, the jaws will grip the tube 40, but the jar of the tube due to the action peroussive tool Ain the end of thel drive tube will be suicient to feed the tube past the jaws and pcrmitthe tube to advance las the hole is advanced. The clutching mechanism may be released in a variety of ways according to the action of the pneumatic tool and the quality of rock being cut. If desired, the drum may be operated to raise the drillmg tube, which thereby carries upward the jaws 87, the slots'88 being large en ough to permit the jaws to move upward w1th respect to the operating tube until the sprlngs 93 raise the jaws from the tube. Or, if desired, the operator may elevate the handle and with it the operating tube and the jaws, until the latter will be released from the tube by the springs 93. If the o erating tube 81 is provided with a slot, as

s own at 101 in Fig. 10, the jaws may be released from the drlving tube 40 by partiall rotating the outer tube with res ect to t e rotator as above described. clutching mechanism may be thrown out of operation by rotating the handle 85 a .sulliclent distance in advance of the rotator to permit the pawl 96 to fall into the depres- 'sion 97 formed in the rotator bearing, and thereby 'render the connection between the rotating device and the pneumatic tool inoperativ It will thus be seen that 1 have provided an improved drilling mechanism which is mounted for transportation, or for operation as a single unit, that the'controlling mechanism Yfor the diierent.l parts 'of the unit may easily be manipulated from nearly any r the Leonce point about the apparatus, andV that the drilling 'apparatus may be operated in an eimechanism and its coning operation required for t eparticular work to be done. It will further be noted that the drill rotating means is lvery 'compactly) built-and forms a sin :le unit which majv e supported by a tripod ring drilling operation or mounted on a wheel support during L, transportation. An important feature of my improved device is the use of a 'ground hog drill which is compactly placed in the drilling tube to follow the tool into the hole so that this drilling tool does not take up any appreciable space and increase the size and weight of the parts carriedby the tripod during a drilling operation, and the placirlg of the rotating means where it does not a ect the size of the reciprocatin `tool. Still another feature is the improve means whereby the drilling unit may be transported from place to lace on two wheels or on three wheels, an whereby, by adjusting different arts of the apparatus, a very strong and e cient tongue is provided for guiding the apparatus during transportaimposed tripods, the feet of each secured to the other to form a unitary structure'.

2. The combination with a tool, of a support therefor comprising a plurality ofv tripods, the feet of each secured to the other to` form a unitary structure and so disposed that a vertical line let fall from the top of one of said tripods would :pass withinv a circle drawn through Jthe feet of the other.

3. The combination with a tool, of a support therefor comprising a lurality of tripods, the feet of each secure to the' other to form a .unitary structure and'so disposed that vertical lines drawn through the"tops of either of said tripods would pass through a circle-drawn through the extremities of the legs of the other.

4. `The'combination with `a tool, of a sup- .e ed to receive a cable,

' 'adjustment of said sheave whereby said too port therefor comprising a tripod and means carried at the apexv of said-tripod for rotating said tool and for supporting it during'rotation, said tool being free to rotate 5 on its support when said rotating means is inactive. 5. A. drillmgapparatus comprlsmg a trlpod, a second tripod having legs mounted on' the legs of the first tripod, tool actuating means carried by said first named tripod,

' and a. tool supporting means carried by the second tripod.

6. A drilling apparatus comprising a plurality of tripods forming a unitary struc-4 ture, ajtool mounted on one of said tripods and movable relative thereto, means whereby said tool may be advanced toward the work, and means operatively connected to the other of said tripods for holding saidtool in a '20 `fixediposition.

drilling apparatus comprising a plurality of'tripods forming a unitary structure, a tool mounted on one of said tripods and movable relative thereto, means operatively connected'to another of said tripods whereby said tool may be advancedptoward the work, and means carried by one of said tripods for holding said tool in a fixed position irrespective of its position relative to 8. A drilling apparatus comprising a Vplurality offtripods forming a unitary structure, la tool mounted on one of said tripods and movable relative thereto, means operatively connected to another of said tripods whereby said tool may be advanced toward the'work, and a vise for holding said vtool j in a fixed position and operable to griplthe same at all times at the wheeled support, supporting means carried thereby for supporting said tooll during drilling operation and including a wheel spaced from the ground duringl drilling, said mechanism, being adjustable so that said' tool may be supported by said wheeled support and said wheel during transportation.

10.r In a drilling apparatus, a t'ool, av twowheeled support, supporting means carried l thereby for supporting a tool during a drill-c f ing operation Iand including a third wheel spaced from the lground duringdrilling, said mechanism being-adjustable so that'said. tool ,may be supportedby said' wheeled support and said wheel during transportation.

11. In a drilling apparatus, a tool, a wheeled support, supporting means/carried thereby for supporting a toolduringa drill-- ing operation and including a sheave adaptand means permittmg supporting means maybe supported by said wheeled supportand said sheave for trans- "porta-tion. AIn drilling apparatuaa ,tool .S119-I will of the operator. 40 '9. In- Fa drilling apparatus, a tool, a

porting means comprising an axle, wheels thereon, means for support-ing the apparatus during operation thereof, said means having a pivoted leg which may be swung out of engagement with a quarry Hoor to ermit a tilting of the apparatus, a standar carried by said axle, andl means for rigidly securing said standard to said axle whereby said :standard may be used as a tongue to guide the apparatus during transportation.

13. In. a drilling apparatus, a toolfsupporting means vcomprising an axle,- wheels thereonja tripod for supporting the apparatus during operation thereof, said tripod having a pivoted 'leg which maybe swung out of engagement with a quarry floor to rigidly `securing said standard to said axle whereby said standard may be used as a tongue to guide the apparatus during trans,- portation. a 14. In a drilling apparatus, a tool su porting means comprising an axle, whee s thereon for supporting theapparatus during transportation, means for supporting the apparatus during operation thereof, a sheave, means for supporting said sheave, relative to said tool supporting means and means A for securing a portion of said sheave supportmeans agamst movement relative to said ax e whereby said last named means may serve as a handle for guiding the apparatus during transportation.

15. `In a drilling apparatus, a tool supsoe permita tilting of the apparatus, a pivoted standard carried by said axle, and means for porting means comprislng an axle, wheels thereon for suppnrting the apparatus during transportation, means Ffor supporting the apparatus during operation thereof, a second supporting means, 'a sheave thereon, andv -used during drilling operation, a ground hog tool, means on the stationary support for rotating the same, and means having operative connection withl said stationary support for changing the positionof "the tool relative vto the work.

18..In'a drilling apparatus includinga stationary and rotatably4 movable lsupport adapted to cooperate therewith, a ground hog tool mounted on said stationary support, and 'means detahably Secured thereto for guiding handle during llO Aholding said i001 in s fixed podrian during by relative movement between ,said means and tool, means for changing the position of the tool relative to the work durin the drilling operation, and means for ho ding said tool in a `fixed position at aiy position thereof.

20. In a'drilling apparatus, a ground hog tool, means for continuously rot-ating the same, including al uide and engaging members radiallyslidale therein and controlled byrelativey movement between said means and tool, means for changing .the sition ofthe tool relativevto the work, an means for holding said tool in a fixed position at any position thereof.

21. In a drilling apparatus, a ground hog drill comprising a drill bit and means for actuating the same, including aguide and L engaging members radially slidable therein and controlled by relative movement between said means and tool, means for rotating said drill, and means including a drum and a cable-actuated thereby for varying the posiga tion o f said drill relative to the work.

22. In a drilling ap aratus, a plurality of tripods a ground hog rill comprising a drill bit and means for actuating the same carried Y 35 by the apex of one of said tripods, means for rotating said drill, means includ' a drum mounted on said tripod and a ca le having operative connection with the other tripod and actuated thereby for varying the position of said drill relative to the work,

,and a single actuator for said rotating means and drum.

23. In .a drilling apparatus, a tripod, a ground hog drill, means for rotating said rill forming the apex of said tri means including a drum and a cable actuated thereby for varying the position of said drill rela tive to the work, anda vise for securing said drill in a .predetermined position -for transportation.

` 24. .In a drilling apparatus including superimposed tripods, a groundhog dril comprising a drill bit and means for actuating .the same, means for rotating said drill carried at the apex of one of said tripods, and means` including adriim,.a cable actuated thereby, and avsheave mounted on the other of said tripods above said drill for the position`of said drill relative t0 thiswirk'du iii` n a ri ing apparatus 4a p ura 'ty of tripods, a und hog drill? comprising -a drill bit an means for actuating the same, means for rotating. said drill `carried at the apex of oiietripod, and means includinga drum, a-)cable actuated thereby and op 'said clutch and rotating ygageable eratively comectedto the other tripod, a 4

sup rt, an a sheave mounted above sci d dri] on said su port for va ing the position "of'saidddri relativeto t e work. d

26. In a rilling apparatusv a tripo a ground ho drill carried' thereby, meins ocated at t e apex of said tripod for rotating said drill, and means including a drum for varying the position of said drill relative to the wor 28. In a. drilling apparatus, a ound hog drill having a dri ling tube, an vmeans including a ide having engaging members radial y s idable therein and engageable with said tube to continuously rotatethe drill. I d l Y f7 dh 29. n a ri ap aratus, a groun og drill having a tube, and means constantl rotatin in one direction and .en-

a'. le in o y said direction` of rotation wit said tube to rotatethe drill.

30. In a drillin apparatus, aground hog drill having a dri ling tube, means engageable with said tube to rotate the drill, and means coaxially rotatable with and relative to said tube for controlling only rotative entube. v31. In a drillin apparatus a ground hog drill having a'drizll tube, means engageable with said tube to rotate the drill, and means drill having a drilling tube, means engaable with said tube to continuously t drill, said last named means comprising). clutch ada ted to 'p the outside `of said tube opera le by rel'tive movement between y means, and resihent means adaptedy to keep said gement with said tube. In a dril apparatus, a drill havin a d 'n tube,an. means enwith said tu to continuously ro- A tate the rising a clutch adapted to grip in oiil irection ofrotation, the outside of sai to rotate thel latter while permitting said tube to be advanced against the work.

34. In a ground hog'drilling ajiiparatusyaW drlljtube, a rotator mounted coaxially ther with, clutch members lioo A gagement of saidrotating means with said normally rotating with said -rotatin means clutch out of i und hog 1.20

drill, said last named means com-f. one 25 tube l y www; ia i f Y ling 43. In a drilling apparatus, a drill stem,l

' and coaxially rotatable with and relative to said tube. l

35. In. a ground hog drilling apparatus, a

' drill tube, a rotator mounted coaxially therewith, clutch mechanism between said tube and rotator, and a single actuating means rotatable coaxially with said clutch mechanism or controlling only rotative movement.

36. In a ground-hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, a rotator mountedcoaxially therewith, clutch mechanism between said tube and rotator, and longitudinally movable means operable during'rotation carried` b y said rotator for controlling vsaid clutch mechanism.

37. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, a rotator mounted coaxially therewith, clutch mechanism between said tube and rotator, and longitudinally movable means carried by said rotator and movable therewith for controlling said clutch mechanism at the will of theV operator.

38. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, an operatingtube mounted coaxially therewith, a rotator mounted coaxially with said drill tube, and means for varying the relative angular positions of said operating tube and rotator to control said rotator.

39..In al drilling apparatus,a ground hog drill vhavinga drilling tube, means engageable with said tube to rotate the drill, and means longitudinally operable during rotation of the tube for controlling only rotative engagement of said rotating means with said tube at the will of the operator.

40. In a drilling apparatus, a ground hog ldrill having a drill tube, ymeans e'ngageable. with said tube to rotate the drill, and means lrotatable coaxially with said tube.and normally rotatin with said rotating means for controlling o y rotative engagement of said rotating means with said tube, said last mentioned means being operable to eect such control during rotation thereof.

41. In a drilling apparatus, aground fhog drill, a drill tube, a rotator mounted coaxially therewith, clutch mechanism for effecting only rotation between said tube and rotator, and y.longitudinally movable means for -controlling said clutch mechanism operable during rotation of said rotator and at the will of the operator.

42. In aground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, a rotator mountedy coaxially therewith, clutch mechanismv for varying only rotative engagement between said tube and rotator, and means carried by and operable during rotation of said rotator for controlsaid clutch mechanism.

engaging meanstherefor, and .resilient means for operatively connecting and disconnecting said engaging means' with said stem, said resilient means being necessarily completely yielding during both of said operations. l y 44. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, and rotating means therefor comprising an operating tube mounted coaxially therewith, a rotator mounted coaxially therewith and means for varying the relative longitudinal positions of said operating tube and rotator to control said rotator,``

45. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, and rotating means therefor comprising an operating tube mountedcoaxially with said drill tube, a rotator also mounted coaxially with said drill tube, and

means for varying the relative angular and,

longitudinal positions of said operating tube ,and rotator to control said rotator.

v 46. In a ground hog drilling apparatus,

a drill tube, an operating tube mounted coaxially therewith, and a rotator mounted coaxially with said drill tube and havi clutch mechanism` adapted to rotate sai i drill tube and controlled by the4 relative ositions of saidoperatingtube and rotator. 47. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, an operating tube mounted coaxially therewith and a rotator mounted coaxiall. with said drill tube and provided with c utch mechanism adapted to rotate said drill tube and controlled by the relative an gular positions of said operating tube and rotator.

48. In a gro-und hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, ano erating tube mounted coaxially therewitli, coaxially with said drill'tube and provided with clutch mechanism adapted to rotate said .drill tube andeontrolled by the relative longitudinal positions bf said operating tube and rotator.

,49. Inf'a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, an operating tube mounted coaxially therewith and a rotator mounted'co-- uaxially with said drill tube and provided with'clutch mechanism ada ted to. rotate said drill tube and controlled y the relative -angular and longitudinal positionsb said operating tube and rotator.'

50. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, an operating tube' mounted coaxially therewith, a rotator iallj)7 with drilll tube, an operating tube mountedcoaxially therewith,fa rotator mounted coaxially with said drill tube, clutch. mechanism carriedby said rotator and adaptedto rotate said drill tube and controlled by the relative angular positions of said operating tube and and v a rotator mounted mounted coaX- said drill tube and provided with clutch vmechanism adapted to rotate said drill,

13o f i rotator, and means for controlling the Apositions of said operating tube androtator.

52. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a

` drill tube, an operating tube mounted coaxv carried directly y therewith, a rotator mounted coaxially iall h said drill tube, clutch mechanism carwit ried by. said rotator and ada ted to rotate. 'said drill tube and controlled l y the relative Iigitudinal positions of said operating tube an rotator, and means for controlling the positions of said operating tube and rotator. 53. In aground hog drilling apparatus, a

drill tube, an operating tube mounted co- 'axially therewith, a rotator mounted coaxially with said drill tube, 'clutch mechanism said rotator and adalptedu by f ar and longitudinal posi.

to rotate said drill tube and controlle the relative angul tions ofv said operating tube and rotator, and means for controlling the positions of said operating tube androtator.

' 54. 4In a ground hog drilling ap aratus, a

l. continuously rotating rotator, a rill' tube,

clutch mechanism therebetween adapted to disenga e saidmember and which is controlled y relative movement lof said tube and rotator, and resilient means for retaining `the engaging portions ofsaid clutch inoperative. A

55. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a

unidirectionall moving rotator, a drill tube,

clutch mechamsm therebetween adapted'to disengage said member and which is controlled by relative movement of ,said tube and rotator, and -means incl'udi tive. A

56.. In aground hog drilling apparatus, a yunidirectionally moving rotator, a drill tube. clutch mechanism therebetween including a ide and engaging members radially sli able therein controlled by'relative move-.- ment of said tube and rotator, vand-means including a hoisting apparatus for controlling the relative position of said tube and rotator. I

land means forv holding said tube in a pre-A "58. Ina

f membersradially 57. Ina ground hog. drilling apparatus, including a plurality of superimposed tripods forming a unitary structure, a rotator carried by relative movement of said tube and rotator, means including a'hoisting apparatus operatively connectedto the other tripod for moving said tu'be relative to said4 rotator,

determined position relativeto said rotator.

rotator,fa drill tube,;clutch mechanism therebetween including le therein and-controlled .by relative movement of said tube `and rotator, mean's includingl a hoisting ap- 'paratusiorccontrolling the relative positions of said'tubeand rotator, and means for acy resilientv Vmembers for retaining said clutc inoperaclutc by one of said tripods, a drill tube,v

yclutch mechanism therebetween controlled ground hog drilling apparatus, a'

a ide and enga 'n o lidal g1 g tuatingksaid lrotator and said -last named vmeans simultaneously.

59. In a ground hog drilling apparatus a rotator, a drill tube, clutch mechanisni therebetween including engaging ymembers having resilient-means tohold'the same out of contact with said drill tube controlled by relativelmovement of said tube and rotator,

means for Imoving said rotatorlfrelative to said tube means including a'hoisting,` apparatus i tions of said tube and rotator,` flld a single orl controllngvthe relative posi- ,l

means for actuating said rotator and said last named means.

`60. In a drilling.apparatus,`a ground hog drill, means for rotating said-drill, means or cgnnecting said drill and rotating means, means for controlling said connecting means, including resilient means to hold said connecting means out of contact with said tube, said resilient means being necessarily yielding whenever said disconnection is made, and means simultaneously operable withsaid rotating'means ,for va ing the relative position of said drill 'to the Work.

61. In a drilling apparatus, a ground hog drill, means for rotating said drill, radially slidable means for connecting said drill and rotating means, means for controlling said a l63. In 4adrilling apparatus, a-drill rotating mechanism, a tube operated thereby,

clutch Imechanism for connecting said rotating mechanisinand tub'e, -ineans for controlling. 'the position of said tube relative to f the work',v and means arranfged at opposite sides of said apparatus ling said clutch mechanism., y

164'. In a ground hog drilling.. apparatus,

or controli a drill tube-and' rotating means ftherefor comprising an operating tube mounted coaxially7 therewith, engaging means cooperating with said `drill and operating tube, and'y 'means for controlling the longitudinal position o'f said operating tubetto-control said lengaging means.

65. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a rotator, a drill tube, clutch mechanism therebetween'including radially slidable enlas gaging members controlledv by relative' movement of said tube ,and rotator, means including ahoisting apparatus for movin 4said tube relative to "said rotator,; an

n? I means for holding said tube in a predetermined position rlative to said rotator, said last named means comprising a releasable vise adapted to engage said tube,

pivotally out of engaging operating tube adjustable relative. thereto,

and pivotally, connecte and lresilient means for normally retaining said tube in a predetermined position relative to said rotator.

69. In a ground hog drilling apparatus, a drill tube, an operating tubemounted `1coaxially therewith, a rotator mounted coaxially with said drill tube and provided with clutch mechanism adapted to rotate said drill ,tube and controlled by the rela; tive positions of said operating tube and rota-tor, and means 'for adjusting said clutch mechanisme v 70. In a mechanism, a drill tube, and means for rotating the same including. a member rotatin coa-Xially with the drill tube, jaws adapte to en age said drill tube toy said rotating member, and means movable relative to said jaws whereb said' jaws may be caused to engage and ipsengage from said tube at the will of the operator.

71. In a drilling mechanism, a drill tube, means for rotating thesame including a rill YVmember rotating coaxially with said tube, jaws adapted to en ageA said drill tube and pivotally connecte 'to said rotating member, means automatically tending to cause said jaws to engage said drill tube, and means movable relative to said jaws i whereby said ^jaws may becaused to'engage Y or disengage from said tube at the will of the operator.

72. In a drill' echanism, a drill tube, means for rotating the same includin. a member rotating coaxially Iwith said ill tube, jaws adapted to engage said drill tube and pivotally connecte to .said rotating member,

rotatable means .automatically tending to cause said jaws to engage said drill tube, and means whereby said jaws may be caused during operation to engage or disengage from said tubeat the will of the operator.

73. Ina drilling mechanism, a Adrill' tube, vmeans for rotating the same includin a member rotating vcoaxially with said rill tube, jaws adapted to en age said drill tube and pivotally connecte to said rotating member, means automatically .operative to cause .said jaws to engage said drill tube, and means movable relative/to the jaws and the rotatin member whereby said jaws may be caused uring operation to engage or disengage from said tube at the will of the operator.

74. In a rotary drilling mechanism, a member having a vertical work receiving opening, a plurality' of lateral openin therein, work gripping members mounted 1n said openings and projectabley therethrough to grip the work, stems engaging said work gripping members for moving the same, a member engaging said stems to movethe latter, and means for changing the relative position of said first and last mentioned'- member's to cause said work gripping members to grip or release the work.

. 75. In a rotary drilling mechanism, a

member having a vertical work freceiving opening, a plurality of lateral openings therein, work gripping members mounted in said openings ,and projectable therethrough to grip the work, stems engaging said work gripping members for moving the same, a,

member `coaxial with said first mentioned member andengaging said stems to move the latter, and meansfor changing the relative position of said first and last mentioned members Ito cause said work gripping members to grip or release thework.

76. In al vrotary drilling mechanism, a

member vhaving .a vertical work receiving,A opening, a yplurality of lateral openings therein, work gripping members mounted in said openings and projectable therethrough to grip the worlr, stems engaging said work grippmg members for movingthe same, a power operated rotating. member coaxial with said first mentioned member and engaging said stems to move the latter, and means for chan ing the relative position of said iirst and ast` mentioned members to cause said work gripping members to grip or release the work. l

In testimony whereof I affix `my signature.

HENRY HQMERCER.'

` Certificate of Correction. I

' L,It is hrebyimified that in Leners Parent No. 1,507,294, granted se amber 2, 1924, upon the applica-tionofv 'Hem` H. Mercer, of- Claremont, New ampshire, for an improvement `in Drillnv 1V achinery, errors appear; in theA printed speci- {ication requiring correction as lollows: Page' 2, line 59, forlthe word which j read wth;same page, line 104, for the 'article a, second occurrence, read the; page 6, lline 114, cla1n1'1, flor the lword the. read each; page; 7, :1ne.16,vc1aim 6, after the word means lnsert the Words'opef'atzvely' connected to the other-,of

said tripods; same pa' `and claim, lines 18 and 19, strike out the words operativ'ely connected to t e other of said tripods ysame page, line 93', claim-14,

l strike .out the comma vafter sheave and insert the same to f ollovg the wordy -f means, first occurrence, in'line'94'; page 8, lines 5, 15, and 24, c1ai1s 19,20, and

v 21, after-the word same strikeV out the comma; same page,"line,32, claim 22,-

`after the word tripod v"insert a comma,and in line 51, claim '24, strike f out the comma after. the word drill same page, line 125, c1aim133, strike outthevcomma after the word' rotation page 9, line 73,-2c1aim 44, after the wond ,with, 1ine.'93,lclaim 47, .and line 109, claim 49,` after, the word therewith,

insert a comma; p 10, line 47, claim. 57, after the word apparatus, andI line 84, clalm 60, after t e word means, first occurrence, strike out the comma; andv that the Said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections, therein that the same ma conform to the record of the case in the ,Patent Oice.I A

Slgn and sealed. this 4th day-of November, A. D. 1924.

" Acting of Patente. 

